Washington DC:
In a rare diplomatic gesture, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu apologized to Qatar for an Israeli strike in Doha during a phone call mediated by US President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday. The apology, seen as a significant move, came at a moment when Washington is pushing for a peace deal to end the nearly two-year-long Gaza war.
According to the White House, Netanyahu expressed regret to Qatar’s Emir, acknowledging that Israel had violated Qatari sovereignty. He assured that such an attack would not happen again. This message of restraint was delivered during a three-way call involving Trump, Netanyahu, and Qatar’s leader.
The White House confirmed that the leaders also discussed a proposal for ending the war in Gaza, the future of regional security, and the importance of improving mutual trust between their nations. The conversation set the stage for a press conference later in the day, where Trump and Netanyahu addressed the media together.
Trump’s Push for Peace
US President Donald Trump hosted Netanyahu at the White House to secure Israeli support for a Gaza peace plan. The proposal, which has been described as Trump’s “20-point Gaza framework,” is designed to end a war that has not only devastated Gaza but also left Israel facing growing international criticism.
At the press conference, Trump said the United States was “closer than ever” to brokering peace. He urged both Israel and Hamas to seize the moment. “This is the time to end the bloodshed,” Trump said, stressing that America would fully back Israel if Hamas refused to cooperate.
Trump highlighted that many Arab leaders had already expressed support for the initiative, including Qatar. He praised Netanyahu for engaging with the process and taking steps, such as the apology to Doha, that could build regional trust.
Why Qatar Matters
Qatar plays a critical role in the Middle East peace process. The Gulf nation has long been a mediator in negotiations with Hamas, hosting its political office and providing humanitarian support for Palestinians in Gaza. At the same time, Qatar maintains diplomatic ties with the United States and has positioned itself as a balancing force in the region.
The Israeli attack in Doha last week, which targeted Hamas operatives, drew sharp criticism from Qatar. Officials in Doha had accused Israel of recklessly violating their sovereignty. The incident strained relations at a sensitive moment when Washington was counting on Qatari influence to help push Hamas toward a ceasefire.
Netanyahu’s apology, therefore, is being seen as an important step to rebuild trust. Analysts say it also shows Israel’s recognition that alienating Qatar could risk losing one of the few channels of communication with Hamas.
